1 / 2Heal the Bay Aquarium
📍 Santa Monica, CA
Intimate aquarium under Santa Monica Pier with over 100 local marine species, hands-on touch tanks, and daily educational programs. Perfect for families wanting a charming, educational experience without crowds.
I had been putting off my visit to Heal the Bay Aquarium for too long. The summer visit I made to the Monterey Bay Aquarium turned out to be completely different from my experience at the Santa Monica location. The sea otter trainers at Heal the Bay Aquarium allowed their playful sea otter to splash me during a high-five like interaction. The staff members at the aquarium spread their positive energy to me while one of them helped me locate a shy clownfish during my peaceful iced latte time. The aquarium's smaller size created a sense of closeness which left me feeling happy when I returned to the Eastside.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
This small aquarium is perfect for families wanting an intimate, educational marine experience without overwhelming crowds. Ideal for young children, elderly visitors, and anyone with mobility needs due to its compact, accessible layout. Best combined with a Santa Monica Pier visit for a full day out.
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💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →566 Google reviews
Stephen Butler
5 months ago
“I had been putting off my visit to Heal the Bay Aquarium for too long. The summer visit I made to the Monterey Bay Aquarium turned out to be completely different from my experience at the Santa Monica location. The sea otter trainers at Heal the Bay Aquarium allowed their playful sea otter to splash me during a high-five like interaction. The staff members at the aquarium spread their positive energy to me while one of them helped me locate a shy clownfish during my peaceful iced latte time. The aquarium's smaller size created a sense of closeness which left me feeling happy when I returned to the Eastside.”
John Webber
5 months ago
“Small but great aquarium. Perfect as an addendum to a Santa Monica pier visit. Brought elderly parents here (90+) and it was a perfect size. People with walkers easily maneuvered the aquarium. Staff is comprised of educated volunteers and people fulfilling college internships. This place is hands on and designed to educate. Bring the kids here before walking the pier to stir imagination and inquisitive questions about our Pacific Ocean.”
Jennifer Joobbani
3 months ago
“Cute little aquarium. Kids loved all the personal attention. Great staff.”
Brent V
a year ago
“What it lacks in size, it gains in charm. My daughter loved looking at the sealife and learning more about them. Staff was extremely friendly and loved interacting and educating everyone on marine life.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Located under Santa Monica Pier, this compact aquarium features over 100 local marine species across themed exhibits including touch tanks, shark nursery, kelp forest, and sea jellies. Families enjoy hands-on activities, daily educational programs, and interactive experiences with starfish, sea urchins, and baby sharks in mermaid's purses.
